Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Minister of State for Public Management and Accounts said in Parliament yesterday (20) that we must acknowledge that the demand and supply in the market today control the prices of all commodities and that no matter how many rules and regulations are put in place, it has not been possible to control the prices of essential commodities.
Although the government has not been able to reduce prices through gazette notifications the state minister completely denied allegations that fraud was committed in the pricing and sale of rice and sugar. But he also acknowledged in Parliament that some companies had made unlimited profits through the reduction of sugar import duties last week.
The Minister of State further stated that investigations are being carried out on them and if they have earned any money due to the government, action will be taken to reclaim it.
